Post by Stella Basch on Jul 13, 2024 22:54:20 GMT -5
**Part 2 of Stella's backstory, and how she came to live with Danielle and Donovan**
Rogers Sports and Collectibles
Oceanside, CA
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
The auburn-haired woman walks into the shop, a poster tube tucked under her arm as she scans her surroundings. Clad more like a businesswoman than a mere everyday customer, she looks horribly out of place amongst the various framed basketball, football, and baseball jerseys. Starr follows a couple lengths behind, her arms crossed as if she’s embarrassed to be seen with her. Her once harsh yellow-blonde hair has since softened into a more golden shade, with darker undertones in addition to some bright red streaks. Though given her present company, the need to call any attention to herself given the circumstances… makes absolutely no sense.
As the woman approaches one of the employees, Starr uses this as her cue to make herself scarce.
Starr: Mom, I’m gonna go over here and look at the basketball jerseys.
"Mom": Okay... I won’t be long, so don’t wander too far off....
Starr hunches her shoulders, muttering under her breath as she walks off to another area of the shop.
Starr: Nowhere is far enough...
As Starr walks away, the woman continues her short trek to a counter on the far wall, where a heavy-set man in an old faded blue San Diego Chargers t-shirt. He looks at the woman and smiles as she places the poster tube on the glass counter.
Tim: Welcome to Rogers Sports and Collectibles, how can I help you?
Before she can respond, the man turns on the charm.
Tim: Let me guess... you’re shopping for a birthday present for your big brother?
The woman giggles at his blatant attempt at flattery, her thick hair falling off of her shoulder.
"Mom": Oh, you! Actually, my name is Desiree Evans; I called the other day about a signed poster. I was told to come in to verify its value.
Tim: Well, it all depends on who the poster is depicting, amongst other factors.
Desiree: Oh, I have a feeling it’s a name that carries a lot of weight, especially in THIS town....
Tim: You don’t say? Well, let’s see what you have to show us, little lady...
She knows he’s laying it on extremely thick. Given her statuesque 5’10” frame, the word “little” is not a word commonly used to describe her. With another playful giggle, she opens the tube and pulls out the poster, carefully spreading it out on the counter’s surface. As soon as the man takes a look at the face of Donovan Basch, his eyes grow wide with ravenous excitement.
Tim: Donovan Basch!? Why didn’t you say so in the first place? I can’t even tell you how long we’ve been trying to get some of his signed merch in here! Whenever we do, it’s usually t-shirts, and we can’t keep them on the shelves long enough to have him come in and sign one. How did you happen to come across this, if you don’t mind me asking?
Desiree: Well, there was an event not that far from where I live about six, almost seven months ago... Hype, I believe was the show’s name. He and some... girl were signing at the university bookstore in...
Tim: La Jolla... yeah. I went to that show. That was the last show he was in before he got married. That girl he was signing with... that’s now his wife.
Desiree seems surprised by this revelation, but doesn’t let on.
Desiree: His wife, you say? Hmph... lucky girl.
Tim: Anyway, I have a guy that I often use to verify signatures such as this. Feel free to look around the shop in the meantime.
He gives her a friendly nod, then takes the poster to a room in the back of the shop, where the salesman’s smile quickly transitions into a snicker as he approaches one of the other employees.
Tim: Hey, Jeff... you’re not gonna believe this broad that just walked into the shop! Looks like she’s trying to run from Father Time, if you know what I mean....
Jeff leans over to see through the doorway into the shop’s main area. He can see Desiree wandering around, looking at the shop’s various offerings. Nodding his head, he straightens back up and wiggles his eyebrows in a lecherous manner.
Jeff: I’d hit it...
Tim: No shit... you’d try to nail any female that would give you the time of day.
Jeff: You’re right, Tim. I would. So what’s she doing here? Doesn’t exactly look like a sports fan from what I can see.
Tim: She brought in a poster of Donovan Basch... SIGNED!
Jeff: You’re shitting me! I went to high school with Donovan!
Tim: Yeah, yeah... I know! You keep showing me your yearbook where you two were on the football team.
Jeff: Fucker stole all my dates....
Tim: What?
Jeff: Oh, nothing....
Tim: Hmph. Anyway, he’s married now, so you won’t have to worry about him stealing anymore of your... prospects.
Jeff: Yeah... that wife of his is HAWT!
Tim: Some guys have all the luck, am I right? Anyway, you think you can verify his signature for me? You know it much better than I do...
Jeff: Normally, I would. But I’ve seen plenty of damn good forgeries in my time, and while I can tell you that the signature is 100% legit, the problem is the poster it’s written on.
Tim: What do you mean?
Jeff points down at the poster’s bottom right hand corner, where the NGW/WCG trademark is usually printed. In its place is a tear, as if it had been damaged by the removal of a piece of tape.
Jeff: You see that? It’s like they used scotch tape to put it up on the wall. Thing is, I’ve been wanting him to come in here for a while, so I’m gonna give him a call anyway. If nothing else, I want to see if I can get him to sign that Blu-Ray I have of the night he won the West Coast Championship. Hell, he still owes me for that time I covered for his ass that time he cut Drama class Senior year. Let me give him a call and see if he can come in.
BaschTech HQ
Oceanside, CA
Donovan Basch is sitting at his desk, pouring over the latest batch of reports from the Quality Assurance department, a broad, clearly pleased smile plastered on his face that grows bigger with each report.
Intercom: Mr. Basch?
Donovan: Yes, Bethany?
Intercom: Sir, I know you said to hold your calls, but the gentleman on Line 1 insists that it’s of the utmost importance. He says his name is Jeff Rogers...
Donovan: Oh… In that case, put him through.
Intercom: Yes, sir….
The phone on Donovan’s desk beeps, prompting him to hit the speakerphone button.
Donovan: Jeffrey, it’s been too long, my friend.
Danielle arches her eyebrow in curiosity. Very few people ever make it into the small inner circle of people Donovan truly considers friends. Sure, the Blackwells had secured their positions on that list, but Danielle admittedly knew next to nothing of those that had been there since before they had met.
Jeff: As much as I’d like to say I was calling to shoot the shit, something interesting came into the shop today… something you REALLY need to see.
Curiously, Donovan tents his fingers on the surface of his desk.
Donovan: You don’t say? And you’re saying this needs my immediate attention?
He listens for a moment as Jeff laughs from his end of the line.
Jeff: I see you still talk like a pretentious fuck, Mr. Harvard Man. But seriously… how soon can you get here?
He looks up as he hears the familiar sound of his wife Danielle’s footsteps as she strides into his office with a Burger King bag in one hand, a drink holder in the other. On her head is one of Burger King’s signature paper crowns.
Donovan: My wife and I can be there in about…
She gives her husband a playful wink as she sets the bag and drink holder down. Once her hands are free, she removes the paper crown from her head and places it on Donovan’s head. The move warrants little more than a raise of his eyebrow as he quickly looks at his watch and continues his conversation over the phone.
Donovan: …15 minutes or so.
Jeff: Sounds good, my friend. See you soon!
Donovan: See you in a few minutes….
With a lighthearted chuckle, Donovan ends the call. As he gazes into the curious green eyes of his wife, he smiles.
Donovan: So…
Danielle: I guess we’re eating lunch on the go?
He nods his head.
Donovan: So it would seem. We’ll take the McLaren; it’ll be faster.
Donovan stands up, taking the paper crown from his head and setting it down on his desk.
Danielle: No use sitting around here, then… let’s go!
Danielle picks up the bag of food, reaching into the back to pull out a french fry. After taking a bite, she recoils in disgust.
Danielle: Ugh…
With a look of concern, Donovan turns to his wife.
Donovan: What is it, Nixy?
With the disgusted sneer still on her face, she just stares at the half-eaten remnant of potato.
Danielle: My fries are cold….
Donovan: We’ll feed them to the seagulls then. Those greedy scavengers will eat anything!
They share a laugh as they head out of Donovan’s office.
Meanwhile...
Rogers Sports and Collectibles
Oceanside, CA
Desiree: HELLO!!! Anyone still back there?
An impatient Desiree taps her red acrylic nails against the glass counter as she cranes her neck so that she can look in the direction of the doorway leading to the back room. As Starr wanders around, flipping through the section of professional wrestling posters. There’s a poster for Donovan Basch on display, along with one for Danielle Basch, but neither poster is in stock, as their respective slots are completely empty, save for a rolled-up poster from one of the other slots that was simply put in the wrong place. Starr stares at the image of Donovan, but her study of his features is interrupted by the voice of her mother.
Desiree: EXCUSE ME!!!
Starr groans as she quietly steps out toward the front of the store, and sure enough, Desiree is there, her hands gripping the edge of the counter. Starr rolls her eyes and heads toward the door. Just as she reaches the doorway, Tim emerges from the back, a somewhat solemn look on his face as he carries the poster out from the back.
Desiree: About time you came back out. So, how much is it worth?
Tim: Well, I have some good news and some bad news… which do you want first?
Desiree: Surprise me.
Tim lets out a bit of a sigh as he spreads the poster out on the counter.
Tim: The good news is that I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that the autograph is 100% genuine.
Desiree: That’s great! So… what’s the bad news?
Tim: I’m afraid that the poster it’s signed on is damaged.
Desiree: How can you tell?
Tim points to the corner where the trademark information is supposed to be, but in its place is a tear, exposing the fine white fibers beneath the printed surface.
Tim: Did you, by any chance, have this mounted on the wall with scotch tape?
Desiree grits her teeth, a mixture of aggravation and disappointment on her face as she slowly shakes her head.
Desiree: Son of a… so what you’re saying is that it’s worthless?
Tim nods his head.
Tim: I wouldn’t say it’s worthless, but the value is significantly less than what it would be if the poster were completely intact.
Desiree: You mean to tell me that because of one TINY little flaw, you can’t give me what this thing is really worth?
With each word that comes from Desiree’s mouth, her tone of voice raises higher and higher. Out of the corner of his eye, Tim realizes that Desiree is tapping the toe of her shoe against the floor, her knee getting dangerously close to the glass.
Tim: Now, Ms. Evans, as I’ve said, I really wish I could help you out here, but I’m afraid I can’t. I can’t purchase a damaged item at full value.
Desiree: “Damaged”? It’s just ONE little tear in a spot NO ONE’S going to notice!
Tim: Unfortunately, ma’am, collectors are VERY particular about this sort of thing. They’ll only pay top dollar for items that are in pristine condition…
Desiree: Look, I don’t have the time or the patience to deal with your neck-breathing bullshit!
At this point, Desiree’s behavior has gotten Jeff’s attention, so he emerges from the back of the shop to address the issue. Meanwhile, Starr is doing her best to blend into her surroundings, clearly embarrassed by her mother’s behavior.
Jeff: Ma’am, I think it’s time you left the premises before you cause a disturbance….
Desiree has clearly lost it by this point.
Desiree: Disturbance?!? You assholes want a disturbance? I’ll give you a fucking disturbance….
Desiree pulls her foot back and kicks the glass counter, shattering the front panel. As shards of glass fall everywhere, Starr can only look on in sheer disbelief at what she’s witnessing. Desiree then reaches into the now-open display, grabbing a baseball bat from the top shelf. At this point, Starr’s eyes open wide and she immediately runs outside.
Starr: SCREW THIS!
As Starr makes her exit, Desiree begins to go on a full-blown rampage, taking the weapon in her hands and demolishing anything and everything in her path.
Jeff: What the FUCK?!?
He turns to Tim.
Jeff: Hit the panic button!!!
Tim: Way ahead of you, man!
With that, both men scramble to avoid getting injured by the bat-wielding maniac loose in their establishment. In the meantime, Desiree finds herself in front of the display case containing a number of replica wrestling championship belts. She pauses to glare at a replica of the WCG West Coast Championship. The case itself has a mirrored back, so that the crazed expression is reflected for everyone to see. Desiree raises the bat as if preparing to smash through the glass….
Voice: MOTHER!
The thunderous bellow of Donovan Basch echoes through the store, prompting everyone to turn toward the entrance. Donovan is standing in the doorway, with Danielle standing behind him. Surprised, Danielle looks at Desiree, and then back back at her husband.
Danielle: THAT’S your mother?
Irate at what he sees, Donovan’s eyes burn a hole through the bat-wielding woman, who turns around, the rage in her face fading to shock.
Desiree: Donovan? I…
Donovan: Drop the bat…. NOW!!!
Completely stunned at the presence of her firstborn, Desiree drops the bat. At that moment, she looks around and notices that everyone is staring at her… Jeff, Tim, Donovan and Danielle…
...and through the window on the outside, Starr, who is petrified. Desiree takes a step towards Donovan.
Donovan: Not one step closer.
Desiree: But, son….
Donovan’s eyes flare at her.
Donovan: You gave up the right to call me that a long time ago…..
From off in the distance, the sound of police sirens grow louder by the second, and it isn’t long before the flashing red and blue lights of three police cruisers pull into the parking lot. The police make their way into the store, with their guns drawn.
Officer 1: POLICE! NOBODY MOVE!
Jeff: Officers, I’m Jeffrey Rogers; I own this shop.
He points at Tim.
Jeff: And this is my Store Manager, Timothy Bryant.
Officer 1: All right, Mr. Rogers, can you explain what happened here?
Tim: In this case, it was a deal that went wrong, and the lady here…
Tim gestures toward Desiree with a tip of his head.
Tim: She didn’t agree with our terms.
The officer scans the room, surveying the damage before turning his attention to Desiree herself.
Officer 1: YOU did all of this?
Officer 2: Davis…
The first officer turns toward the sound of the voice to see one of the officers outside the entrance to the store, standing beside Starr.
Davis: What is it, Thomas?
Thomas: The girl here says she saw everything.
Starr gingerly walks through the entrance, pausing to look at the towering figure of Donovan as she then glares at her mother.
Davis: Do you know what happened here?
Starr nods her head, then points over at the remains of the glass counter.
Starr: Yeah… first she kicked the glass in, then she pulled the bat out of the display and started smashing everything.
Thomas: Do you know this woman?
Again, Starr nods her head.
Starr: Desiree Evans…
Starr and Donovan: She’s my mother.
Starr and Donovan stare at each other, with Donovan’s expression being one of shock. With Donovan at a total loss for words, Danielle speaks up in his place.
Danielle: Did I hear you right? You’re her daughter?
As Desiree is being handcuffed, she clears her throat.
Desiree: That’s right, Donovan… she’s your sister.
Officer Davis shifts his attention to Donovan.
Davis: And just exactly what is your part in this, Mr Basch?
Donovan: Mr Rogers contacted me earlier today, but he wasn't specific as to what it concerned.
Tim: He entered the store while she was destroying everything. He was able to get her to drop the bat….
He motions at the bat laying on the floor.
Davis: Well, Mr Basch, seeing as we have to release any minors to a responsible adult, would you be willing to take the girl into your custody?
Danielle: And if he says no, what would happen to her?
Starr turns to Donovan and Danielle with a pleading look in her eyes.
Davis: Then we would have no choice but to take her into protective custody until we could get this straightened out.
Donovan: No… no, we can take her. That is… if you don’t mind, Nixy…
Danielle looks at the terrified girl and shakes her head.
Danielle: Well, she IS family, I suppose….
She pauses as she looks at Donovan’s McLaren, then shifts her gaze between her husband and newly-acquainted sister-in-law.
Danielle: CRAP!
Donovan has a puzzled look on his face, but it's quickly replaced with one of understanding.
Donovan: Right…. We took the McLaren….
Davis: Is there a problem?
Donovan: My car only seats two…
Danielle: Wait. I think I have a solution; You can take her with you, and I'll call for an Uber.
Donovan: That would work….
Starr looks over at the yellow speed demon that Donovan and Danielle had arrived in, letting out a high-pitched, delighted squeal.
Starr: A McLaren?!?
She can hardly contain the excitement in her voice, but she takes a moment to calm down, clearing her throat.
Starr: But first, I guess I should introduce myself… The real name is Stella, but everyone calls me Starr.
Danielle offers up a smile, extending her hand.
Danielle: Well then, it’s nice to meet you, Starr. I’m Danielle…
Starr eagerly accepts Danielle’s handshake.
Starr: No need to tell me who you are… I watch WCG religiously. I just had no idea that we were related until Mom….
She looks over as Desiree is loaded into one of the police cruisers. The smile on her face begins to fade.
Starr: What’s going to happen to her?
Danielle: Hopefully, she’ll get her act together.
Donovan: Hmph… I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Danielle shoots her husband a disapproving scowl.
Danielle: Donovan…
Donovan growls.
Donovan: Fine… I suppose you and I will have a lot to talk about, Starr. But for now, we’ll head back to the house so you can get settled in.
Danielle: Hold up… just so I know… you’re not allergic to dogs or cats, are you?
Starr shakes her head no, prompting Danielle to breathe a sigh of relief.
Danielle: Good… we’ve got two of each. Well, I’ll go ahead and call that Uber; I’ll see you back at the house, Spidey….
Starr smirks at Donovan.
Starr: “Spidey”? What? Do you wear Spider Man underwear or something?
Danielle: Trust me… you’ll see what I mean when you get there.
Danielle giggles as she pulls her phone out of her purse, waving Donovan and Starr off as they head for his car.
Rogers Sports and Collectibles
Oceanside, CA
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
The auburn-haired woman walks into the shop, a poster tube tucked under her arm as she scans her surroundings. Clad more like a businesswoman than a mere everyday customer, she looks horribly out of place amongst the various framed basketball, football, and baseball jerseys. Starr follows a couple lengths behind, her arms crossed as if she’s embarrassed to be seen with her. Her once harsh yellow-blonde hair has since softened into a more golden shade, with darker undertones in addition to some bright red streaks. Though given her present company, the need to call any attention to herself given the circumstances… makes absolutely no sense.
As the woman approaches one of the employees, Starr uses this as her cue to make herself scarce.
Starr: Mom, I’m gonna go over here and look at the basketball jerseys.
"Mom": Okay... I won’t be long, so don’t wander too far off....
Starr hunches her shoulders, muttering under her breath as she walks off to another area of the shop.
Starr: Nowhere is far enough...
As Starr walks away, the woman continues her short trek to a counter on the far wall, where a heavy-set man in an old faded blue San Diego Chargers t-shirt. He looks at the woman and smiles as she places the poster tube on the glass counter.
Tim: Welcome to Rogers Sports and Collectibles, how can I help you?
Before she can respond, the man turns on the charm.
Tim: Let me guess... you’re shopping for a birthday present for your big brother?
The woman giggles at his blatant attempt at flattery, her thick hair falling off of her shoulder.
"Mom": Oh, you! Actually, my name is Desiree Evans; I called the other day about a signed poster. I was told to come in to verify its value.
Tim: Well, it all depends on who the poster is depicting, amongst other factors.
Desiree: Oh, I have a feeling it’s a name that carries a lot of weight, especially in THIS town....
Tim: You don’t say? Well, let’s see what you have to show us, little lady...
She knows he’s laying it on extremely thick. Given her statuesque 5’10” frame, the word “little” is not a word commonly used to describe her. With another playful giggle, she opens the tube and pulls out the poster, carefully spreading it out on the counter’s surface. As soon as the man takes a look at the face of Donovan Basch, his eyes grow wide with ravenous excitement.
Tim: Donovan Basch!? Why didn’t you say so in the first place? I can’t even tell you how long we’ve been trying to get some of his signed merch in here! Whenever we do, it’s usually t-shirts, and we can’t keep them on the shelves long enough to have him come in and sign one. How did you happen to come across this, if you don’t mind me asking?
Desiree: Well, there was an event not that far from where I live about six, almost seven months ago... Hype, I believe was the show’s name. He and some... girl were signing at the university bookstore in...
Tim: La Jolla... yeah. I went to that show. That was the last show he was in before he got married. That girl he was signing with... that’s now his wife.
Desiree seems surprised by this revelation, but doesn’t let on.
Desiree: His wife, you say? Hmph... lucky girl.
Tim: Anyway, I have a guy that I often use to verify signatures such as this. Feel free to look around the shop in the meantime.
He gives her a friendly nod, then takes the poster to a room in the back of the shop, where the salesman’s smile quickly transitions into a snicker as he approaches one of the other employees.
Tim: Hey, Jeff... you’re not gonna believe this broad that just walked into the shop! Looks like she’s trying to run from Father Time, if you know what I mean....
Jeff leans over to see through the doorway into the shop’s main area. He can see Desiree wandering around, looking at the shop’s various offerings. Nodding his head, he straightens back up and wiggles his eyebrows in a lecherous manner.
Jeff: I’d hit it...
Tim: No shit... you’d try to nail any female that would give you the time of day.
Jeff: You’re right, Tim. I would. So what’s she doing here? Doesn’t exactly look like a sports fan from what I can see.
Tim: She brought in a poster of Donovan Basch... SIGNED!
Jeff: You’re shitting me! I went to high school with Donovan!
Tim: Yeah, yeah... I know! You keep showing me your yearbook where you two were on the football team.
Jeff: Fucker stole all my dates....
Tim: What?
Jeff: Oh, nothing....
Tim: Hmph. Anyway, he’s married now, so you won’t have to worry about him stealing anymore of your... prospects.
Jeff: Yeah... that wife of his is HAWT!
Tim: Some guys have all the luck, am I right? Anyway, you think you can verify his signature for me? You know it much better than I do...
Jeff: Normally, I would. But I’ve seen plenty of damn good forgeries in my time, and while I can tell you that the signature is 100% legit, the problem is the poster it’s written on.
Tim: What do you mean?
Jeff points down at the poster’s bottom right hand corner, where the NGW/WCG trademark is usually printed. In its place is a tear, as if it had been damaged by the removal of a piece of tape.
Jeff: You see that? It’s like they used scotch tape to put it up on the wall. Thing is, I’ve been wanting him to come in here for a while, so I’m gonna give him a call anyway. If nothing else, I want to see if I can get him to sign that Blu-Ray I have of the night he won the West Coast Championship. Hell, he still owes me for that time I covered for his ass that time he cut Drama class Senior year. Let me give him a call and see if he can come in.
BaschTech HQ
Oceanside, CA
Donovan Basch is sitting at his desk, pouring over the latest batch of reports from the Quality Assurance department, a broad, clearly pleased smile plastered on his face that grows bigger with each report.
Intercom: Mr. Basch?
Donovan: Yes, Bethany?
Intercom: Sir, I know you said to hold your calls, but the gentleman on Line 1 insists that it’s of the utmost importance. He says his name is Jeff Rogers...
Donovan: Oh… In that case, put him through.
Intercom: Yes, sir….
The phone on Donovan’s desk beeps, prompting him to hit the speakerphone button.
Donovan: Jeffrey, it’s been too long, my friend.
Danielle arches her eyebrow in curiosity. Very few people ever make it into the small inner circle of people Donovan truly considers friends. Sure, the Blackwells had secured their positions on that list, but Danielle admittedly knew next to nothing of those that had been there since before they had met.
Jeff: As much as I’d like to say I was calling to shoot the shit, something interesting came into the shop today… something you REALLY need to see.
Curiously, Donovan tents his fingers on the surface of his desk.
Donovan: You don’t say? And you’re saying this needs my immediate attention?
He listens for a moment as Jeff laughs from his end of the line.
Jeff: I see you still talk like a pretentious fuck, Mr. Harvard Man. But seriously… how soon can you get here?
He looks up as he hears the familiar sound of his wife Danielle’s footsteps as she strides into his office with a Burger King bag in one hand, a drink holder in the other. On her head is one of Burger King’s signature paper crowns.
Donovan: My wife and I can be there in about…
She gives her husband a playful wink as she sets the bag and drink holder down. Once her hands are free, she removes the paper crown from her head and places it on Donovan’s head. The move warrants little more than a raise of his eyebrow as he quickly looks at his watch and continues his conversation over the phone.
Donovan: …15 minutes or so.
Jeff: Sounds good, my friend. See you soon!
Donovan: See you in a few minutes….
With a lighthearted chuckle, Donovan ends the call. As he gazes into the curious green eyes of his wife, he smiles.
Donovan: So…
Danielle: I guess we’re eating lunch on the go?
He nods his head.
Donovan: So it would seem. We’ll take the McLaren; it’ll be faster.
Donovan stands up, taking the paper crown from his head and setting it down on his desk.
Danielle: No use sitting around here, then… let’s go!
Danielle picks up the bag of food, reaching into the back to pull out a french fry. After taking a bite, she recoils in disgust.
Danielle: Ugh…
With a look of concern, Donovan turns to his wife.
Donovan: What is it, Nixy?
With the disgusted sneer still on her face, she just stares at the half-eaten remnant of potato.
Danielle: My fries are cold….
Donovan: We’ll feed them to the seagulls then. Those greedy scavengers will eat anything!
They share a laugh as they head out of Donovan’s office.
Meanwhile...
Rogers Sports and Collectibles
Oceanside, CA
Desiree: HELLO!!! Anyone still back there?
An impatient Desiree taps her red acrylic nails against the glass counter as she cranes her neck so that she can look in the direction of the doorway leading to the back room. As Starr wanders around, flipping through the section of professional wrestling posters. There’s a poster for Donovan Basch on display, along with one for Danielle Basch, but neither poster is in stock, as their respective slots are completely empty, save for a rolled-up poster from one of the other slots that was simply put in the wrong place. Starr stares at the image of Donovan, but her study of his features is interrupted by the voice of her mother.
Desiree: EXCUSE ME!!!
Starr groans as she quietly steps out toward the front of the store, and sure enough, Desiree is there, her hands gripping the edge of the counter. Starr rolls her eyes and heads toward the door. Just as she reaches the doorway, Tim emerges from the back, a somewhat solemn look on his face as he carries the poster out from the back.
Desiree: About time you came back out. So, how much is it worth?
Tim: Well, I have some good news and some bad news… which do you want first?
Desiree: Surprise me.
Tim lets out a bit of a sigh as he spreads the poster out on the counter.
Tim: The good news is that I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that the autograph is 100% genuine.
Desiree: That’s great! So… what’s the bad news?
Tim: I’m afraid that the poster it’s signed on is damaged.
Desiree: How can you tell?
Tim points to the corner where the trademark information is supposed to be, but in its place is a tear, exposing the fine white fibers beneath the printed surface.
Tim: Did you, by any chance, have this mounted on the wall with scotch tape?
Desiree grits her teeth, a mixture of aggravation and disappointment on her face as she slowly shakes her head.
Desiree: Son of a… so what you’re saying is that it’s worthless?
Tim nods his head.
Tim: I wouldn’t say it’s worthless, but the value is significantly less than what it would be if the poster were completely intact.
Desiree: You mean to tell me that because of one TINY little flaw, you can’t give me what this thing is really worth?
With each word that comes from Desiree’s mouth, her tone of voice raises higher and higher. Out of the corner of his eye, Tim realizes that Desiree is tapping the toe of her shoe against the floor, her knee getting dangerously close to the glass.
Tim: Now, Ms. Evans, as I’ve said, I really wish I could help you out here, but I’m afraid I can’t. I can’t purchase a damaged item at full value.
Desiree: “Damaged”? It’s just ONE little tear in a spot NO ONE’S going to notice!
Tim: Unfortunately, ma’am, collectors are VERY particular about this sort of thing. They’ll only pay top dollar for items that are in pristine condition…
Desiree: Look, I don’t have the time or the patience to deal with your neck-breathing bullshit!
At this point, Desiree’s behavior has gotten Jeff’s attention, so he emerges from the back of the shop to address the issue. Meanwhile, Starr is doing her best to blend into her surroundings, clearly embarrassed by her mother’s behavior.
Jeff: Ma’am, I think it’s time you left the premises before you cause a disturbance….
Desiree has clearly lost it by this point.
Desiree: Disturbance?!? You assholes want a disturbance? I’ll give you a fucking disturbance….
Desiree pulls her foot back and kicks the glass counter, shattering the front panel. As shards of glass fall everywhere, Starr can only look on in sheer disbelief at what she’s witnessing. Desiree then reaches into the now-open display, grabbing a baseball bat from the top shelf. At this point, Starr’s eyes open wide and she immediately runs outside.
Starr: SCREW THIS!
As Starr makes her exit, Desiree begins to go on a full-blown rampage, taking the weapon in her hands and demolishing anything and everything in her path.
Jeff: What the FUCK?!?
He turns to Tim.
Jeff: Hit the panic button!!!
Tim: Way ahead of you, man!
With that, both men scramble to avoid getting injured by the bat-wielding maniac loose in their establishment. In the meantime, Desiree finds herself in front of the display case containing a number of replica wrestling championship belts. She pauses to glare at a replica of the WCG West Coast Championship. The case itself has a mirrored back, so that the crazed expression is reflected for everyone to see. Desiree raises the bat as if preparing to smash through the glass….
Voice: MOTHER!
The thunderous bellow of Donovan Basch echoes through the store, prompting everyone to turn toward the entrance. Donovan is standing in the doorway, with Danielle standing behind him. Surprised, Danielle looks at Desiree, and then back back at her husband.
Danielle: THAT’S your mother?
Irate at what he sees, Donovan’s eyes burn a hole through the bat-wielding woman, who turns around, the rage in her face fading to shock.
Desiree: Donovan? I…
Donovan: Drop the bat…. NOW!!!
Completely stunned at the presence of her firstborn, Desiree drops the bat. At that moment, she looks around and notices that everyone is staring at her… Jeff, Tim, Donovan and Danielle…
...and through the window on the outside, Starr, who is petrified. Desiree takes a step towards Donovan.
Donovan: Not one step closer.
Desiree: But, son….
Donovan’s eyes flare at her.
Donovan: You gave up the right to call me that a long time ago…..
From off in the distance, the sound of police sirens grow louder by the second, and it isn’t long before the flashing red and blue lights of three police cruisers pull into the parking lot. The police make their way into the store, with their guns drawn.
Officer 1: POLICE! NOBODY MOVE!
Jeff: Officers, I’m Jeffrey Rogers; I own this shop.
He points at Tim.
Jeff: And this is my Store Manager, Timothy Bryant.
Officer 1: All right, Mr. Rogers, can you explain what happened here?
Tim: In this case, it was a deal that went wrong, and the lady here…
Tim gestures toward Desiree with a tip of his head.
Tim: She didn’t agree with our terms.
The officer scans the room, surveying the damage before turning his attention to Desiree herself.
Officer 1: YOU did all of this?
Officer 2: Davis…
The first officer turns toward the sound of the voice to see one of the officers outside the entrance to the store, standing beside Starr.
Davis: What is it, Thomas?
Thomas: The girl here says she saw everything.
Starr gingerly walks through the entrance, pausing to look at the towering figure of Donovan as she then glares at her mother.
Davis: Do you know what happened here?
Starr nods her head, then points over at the remains of the glass counter.
Starr: Yeah… first she kicked the glass in, then she pulled the bat out of the display and started smashing everything.
Thomas: Do you know this woman?
Again, Starr nods her head.
Starr: Desiree Evans…
Starr and Donovan: She’s my mother.
Starr and Donovan stare at each other, with Donovan’s expression being one of shock. With Donovan at a total loss for words, Danielle speaks up in his place.
Danielle: Did I hear you right? You’re her daughter?
As Desiree is being handcuffed, she clears her throat.
Desiree: That’s right, Donovan… she’s your sister.
Officer Davis shifts his attention to Donovan.
Davis: And just exactly what is your part in this, Mr Basch?
Donovan: Mr Rogers contacted me earlier today, but he wasn't specific as to what it concerned.
Tim: He entered the store while she was destroying everything. He was able to get her to drop the bat….
He motions at the bat laying on the floor.
Davis: Well, Mr Basch, seeing as we have to release any minors to a responsible adult, would you be willing to take the girl into your custody?
Danielle: And if he says no, what would happen to her?
Starr turns to Donovan and Danielle with a pleading look in her eyes.
Davis: Then we would have no choice but to take her into protective custody until we could get this straightened out.
Donovan: No… no, we can take her. That is… if you don’t mind, Nixy…
Danielle looks at the terrified girl and shakes her head.
Danielle: Well, she IS family, I suppose….
She pauses as she looks at Donovan’s McLaren, then shifts her gaze between her husband and newly-acquainted sister-in-law.
Danielle: CRAP!
Donovan has a puzzled look on his face, but it's quickly replaced with one of understanding.
Donovan: Right…. We took the McLaren….
Davis: Is there a problem?
Donovan: My car only seats two…
Danielle: Wait. I think I have a solution; You can take her with you, and I'll call for an Uber.
Donovan: That would work….
Starr looks over at the yellow speed demon that Donovan and Danielle had arrived in, letting out a high-pitched, delighted squeal.
Starr: A McLaren?!?
She can hardly contain the excitement in her voice, but she takes a moment to calm down, clearing her throat.
Starr: But first, I guess I should introduce myself… The real name is Stella, but everyone calls me Starr.
Danielle offers up a smile, extending her hand.
Danielle: Well then, it’s nice to meet you, Starr. I’m Danielle…
Starr eagerly accepts Danielle’s handshake.
Starr: No need to tell me who you are… I watch WCG religiously. I just had no idea that we were related until Mom….
She looks over as Desiree is loaded into one of the police cruisers. The smile on her face begins to fade.
Starr: What’s going to happen to her?
Danielle: Hopefully, she’ll get her act together.
Donovan: Hmph… I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Danielle shoots her husband a disapproving scowl.
Danielle: Donovan…
Donovan growls.
Donovan: Fine… I suppose you and I will have a lot to talk about, Starr. But for now, we’ll head back to the house so you can get settled in.
Danielle: Hold up… just so I know… you’re not allergic to dogs or cats, are you?
Starr shakes her head no, prompting Danielle to breathe a sigh of relief.
Danielle: Good… we’ve got two of each. Well, I’ll go ahead and call that Uber; I’ll see you back at the house, Spidey….
Starr smirks at Donovan.
Starr: “Spidey”? What? Do you wear Spider Man underwear or something?
Danielle: Trust me… you’ll see what I mean when you get there.
Danielle giggles as she pulls her phone out of her purse, waving Donovan and Starr off as they head for his car.
